Sports CV example

Writing a Sports CV isn’t just about listing trophies and titles – it’s about showing your dedication, versatility, and ability to perform under pressure. Employers want to see your athletic achievements, coaching experience, or sports-related certifications that set you apart.

This guide will teach you how to write a CV that gets noticed, wins interviews, and opens doors to exciting opportunities in the sports industry.

Your CV structure should be as focused and streamlined as your training routine. Don’t leave them scrambling to find key info – structure your CV like a trophy cabinet: neat, polished, and full of achievements.

Here’s how to structure your Sports CV:

• Name and contact information – Display your contact details clearly at the top so employers can get in touch easily. Having a picture of yourself is entirely optional.
• Profile – Kick off with a summary of your sports expertise, career highlights, and ambitions.
• Core skills – List your key abilities in this section, focusing on those that will be most relevant to the job.
• Work experience – Start with your most recent role and work backwards, showcasing your impact and responsibilities.
• Education – Go through the academic history which underpins your expertise, and any sports-related certifications or coaching credentials.
• Additional info – This optional section can include professional memberships, awards, or hobbies that showcase your interest in the field.

Your CV format should reflect your professionalism and attention to detail. A clean and easy-to-read layout ensures recruiters focus on your skills and achievements, as opposed to avoidable formatting mistakes.

Here’s how to format your Sports CV effectively:

• Bullet points – Use short, sharp bullet points to present your responsibilities and achievements clearly.
• Divide sections – Create distinct headings to make your CV easy to navigate.
• Use a clean font – A simple, professional font ensures readability while keeping the layout polished and tidy.
• Keep it the right length – Aim for no more than 2 pages. This gives you the length to detail your experience while keeping it concise enough to respect the recruiter’s time.

Your profile is your personal highlight reel – a chance to summarise your career and give recruiters a glimpse of your potential. Think of your CV profile (or personal statement for junior candidates) as your pre-match interview: it’s your chance to make a great first impression and get everyone excited about what’s to come.

Here are some tips on what to include in your Sports CV profile:

• Where you’ve played or worked – Mention teams, clubs, or organisations you’ve been part of.
• Your top qualifications – Highlight any coaching badges, fitness certifications, or academic achievements.
• Athletic achievements – Quickly mention championships, competitions, or records you’ve set.
• Teamwork and leadership – Note your experience captaining teams or mentoring others.
• Future goals – Reference ambitions that align with the role, like coaching development or achieving new performance milestones.

This section is your playbook – it shows recruiters your strongest moves and how you’ll bring value to their team. Tailor your CV skills to highlight key strengths like physical training expertise, strategic planning, or coaching.

Your work experience section is where you show how your skills have translated into results. Focus on your contributions to teams, organisations, and individual athletes, and include measurable outcomes where possible.

List your positions in reverse chronological order, starting with the most recent. For each role, focus on responsibilities and accomplishments that are directly relevant to the job you’re applying for.

Don’t have much professional experience? No problem. Highlight internships, volunteer roles, or personal achievements that demonstrate your commitment to sports and your transferable skills. University sports, community coaching, or organising a local tournament can all make a strong impression.

• Outline – Provide a brief description of the team or organisation, your role, and the type of sports environment you worked in.
• Responsibilities – List your key tasks, such as coaching, training programs, or event planning.
• Achievements – Show off measurable results, like winning tournaments, improving athlete performance, or increasing participation. Always include numbers in your CV to really convey your impact.

The education section is an important part of a Sports CV, especially if you’ve completed degrees, coaching certifications, or sports science courses.

For junior candidates, emphasise relevant coursework or extracurricular activities that demonstrate your knowledge and commitment. Always list your qualifications in reverse chronological order, starting with the most recent.